Perez: I should have three Baku podiums | 2019 Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Sergio Perez is the only driver in the Formula 1 field to have reached the podium more than once in Baku, but he believes he should have one more.

Perez finished third in the 2016 European Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit and the 2018 Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the same venue. “It’s a crazy number to believe I’ve got more podiums than any other driver here,” he said.

However he believes he could have had had another podium in 2017, when he tangled with team mate Esteban Ocon early in the race.

“We’ve been perfect for two years,” said Perez. “We should have three podiums here, unfortunately we had a little contact between team mates and that ruined the the chances for the team.

“But apart from that it’s been a fantastic venue and it’s always good racing here. It’s so important to stay out of trouble. I think it’s the hardest thing around here, not to make any mistakes.”

Following Friday’s practice sessions Perez said the team has more work to do to get the car in its usual Baku sweet spot.

“I was not as confident as other years straight away. I think the car is not giving me that confidence. We saw what happened to Lance. The car, it’s difficult to put it on the edge. So we have to try to come up with something and hopefully we can improve a lot.”

“I think other cars are very competitive around here,” he added, “We see Toro Rosso, the McLarens, it’s not going to be easy to be in Q3 but we will try our best.”